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PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 1

PLUK eNews for the week of September 29 – October 3, 2003

Volume 2 Issue 13

Welcome to the weekly PLUK eNews!

We are proud to present news of interest for Montana families of children with disabilities

and chronic illnesses, and for the professionals and educators who serve them; however, it

does not constitute an endorsement.

Highlights:

Reserve your space for Dinosaur Day with Jack Horner, October 11, Billings...............3

News: ................................................................................................................3

Making the Grade...........................................................................................3

Bill to Gut No Child Left Behind Introduced in the House of Representatives..........3

PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD in Bozeman...........................................4

MT Council on DD Announces Fall Public Forum Schedule....................................4

More schools in Montana meet federal standards ...............................................5

Educators divided over new standards' effect on special-needs students...............6

PHILADELPHIA PARENTS TO GET GRADED BY TEACHERS....................................6

BULLYING PREVENTION IS CRIME PREVENTION.................................................6

HELPING PARENTS & YOUR COMMUNITY BETTER UNDERSTAND NCLB..................7

GUIDE TO TALKING TO YOUR COMMUNITY ABOUT NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND..........7

Health/Medical News: ..........................................................................................7

Internet Info on Cochlear Implants...................................................................7

SOME AUTISTIC CHILDREN MAKE REMARKABLE PROGRESS WITH INTENSIVE

BEHAVIORAL PROGRAM, STUDY SUGGESTS..........................................................8

ADA/Access:.......................................................................................................8

Disabled Voters Sue Florida and Jacksonville for Failure to Purchase Accessible

Voting Machines AAPD v. Hood, Kast and Stafford..................................................8

Woman's access complaint opens door for others...............................................8

Avis Rent A Car Launches 'Avis Access' For Travelers With Disabilities..................9

Transition/Employment:.......................................................................................9

New Cooking System Available for Persons with Developmental Disabilities...........9

Technology/Web/Resources:.................................................................................9

LEARNING DISABILITIES: A FAMILY AFFAIR.....................................................9

AT Goes Back to School: Great Assistive Technology Options to Get Organized and

Get Back to Work for People of Varying Ability Levels .............................................9

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION ...............................10

Free Online Classes......................................................................................10

Registrations being accepted for 2003-04 MCEP...............................................11

Training/Workshops/Conferences in Montana:.......................................................11

Region IV CSPD Web Site for Training activities in the Bozeman area .................11

Augmentative Communication Workshops in the Rockies, October 2, Billings.......12

PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD, October 6, Bozeman............................12

Beginning Sign Language Class, October 9, Bozeman .......................................12

Echoes of Abuse: Traumatic Brain Injury, October 30-31, Billings ......................12

Otter Creek Math - “How to Successfully Teach Math Facts & Word Problem

Strategies to All Students”, Sep 27 and Nov 8, Glendive.......................................12

Assessment and Management of Central/Auditory Processing Disorders, Oct 16-17,

Sidney............................................................................................................13

Lifespan Respite Trainings, Oct 21 - Feb 17, Billings.........................................13

PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD, November 3, Bozeman ........................13

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 2

Understanding Social Cognitive Deficits across the school and home day, November

4, Polson ........................................................................................................13

The Nuts and Bolts of running social thinking programs, November 5, Polson ......13

Improving the decoding & fluency of struggling readers, November 17, Kalispell..14

Improving the decoding & fluency of struggling readers, November 18, Missoula.14

PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD, December 1, Bozeman.........................14

PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD, January 12, Bozeman..........................14

Positive Behavior Supports, January 17, 2004, Billings .....................................15

Differentiated Instruction, January 21-22, 2004, Polson....................................15

Closing the Vocabulary gap: robust vocabulary instruction, February 2, 2004,

Kalispell..........................................................................................................15

Closing the Vocabulary gap: robust vocabulary instruction, February 3, 2004,

Missoula .........................................................................................................15

Positive Behavior Supports, March 13, 2004, Billings........................................15

Click of Reading Comprehension, April 19, 2004, Missoula ................................16

Click of Reading Comprehension, April 20, 2004, Kalispell.................................16

Training/Workshops/Conferences outside Montana ................................................16

Conference on Social, Emotional and Academic Interventions for Students with

High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome with a Special Session on Bullying

Preventions, October 3-4, Boise, ID ...................................................................16

Asperger’s Conference, October 13-14, Boise ID..............................................16

Fourth Annual Conference on Autism and Asperger’s: Mapping the Journey, October

17 & 18, Edmonton, Alberta..............................................................................17

FROM PRACTICE TO POLICY AND BACK AGAIN: 19th Annual Conference on Young

Children with Special Needs and Their Families, Oct 12-14, Washington, DC ...........17

TASH conference – Dec 10-13, Chicago..........................................................18

National Autism Summit Set For November 2003.............................................18

Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference, January 14-17, Florida.....18

Technology, Reading and Learning Difficulties, San Francisco, January 29-31, 2004

.....................................................................................................................19

Announcing: A Series of Conference Calls on the Social-Emotional Development of

Young Children................................................................................................19

Special Education Law & Advocacy Strategies Educational Online Workshops, Chat

Sessions, and Teleconferences..........................................................................20

ILRU Web Casts...........................................................................................20

Fun Events .......................................................................................................20

It’s Time to Clean the Closets! Oct 10-12, Billings ............................................20

Missoula Children’s Theatre Tour, October 5-11, Kalispell..................................21

Dinosaur Day with Jack Horner, October 11, Billings.........................................21

Magical Tymes Party, November 11, Missoula..................................................21

Be sure to mark your calendar with these future events: ..................................21

How you can help!.............................................................................................22

Preferred Savings Guide for sale....................................................................22

Get your Albertson Community Partners card!.................................................22

Selected Sources:..............................................................................................22

1. Monday Morning in Washington, DC, http://www.inclusionresearch.org.......22

2. Rocky Mountain DBTAC, http://www.adainformation.org...........................22

3. Transition Newsflash, Montana Center on Disabilities,

http://www.msubillings.edu/transition................................................................22

4. PEN Weekly NewsBlast, http://www.publiceducation.org ...........................22

5. Reference Points: Transition updates from the TATRA Project,

http://www.pacer.org/tatra/tatra.htm ................................................................22

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 3

6. The American Indian Disability Technical Assistance Center Training Calendar

http://aidtac.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/TrainingCalendar.htm ....................................22

Reserve your space for Dinosaur Day with

Jack Horner, October 11, Billings

A special day of activities, featuring paleontologist Jack Horner

of the Museum of the Rockies, is planned for October 11.

The event, titled Dinosaur Day, will include a Workshop for

Kids, where Horner will meet with the participants and give a

presentation on the field of paleontology and dinosaurs in

Montana. The workshop will be held on the Montana State

University-Billings campus.

That night, Horner will speak at a dinner for all ages at the

Billings Sheraton Hotel. He will talk about how Montana is a dream state for paleontologists

and about his work in recent years at Montana sites.

Horner is recognized as one of the most prolific paleontologists in the world. He was the

model for Alan Grant in the "Jurassic Park" movies and served as a consultant on the sets.

For information on Dinosaur Day, ticket prices or to reserve tickets for either the Kids

Workshop or the dinner, call PLUK's Office at 255-0540 or 1-800-222-7585. Space is limited

for both activities.

News:

Making the Grade

"The most striking thing about the sweeping federal educational reforms debuting this fall

is how much they resemble, in language and philosophy, the industrial-efficiency movement

of the early twentieth century. In those years, engineers argued that efficiency and

productivity were things that could be measured and managed, and, if you had the right

inventory and manufacturing controls in place, no widget would be left behind. Now we

have "No Child Left Behind," in which Congress has set up a complex apparatus of sanctions

and standards designed to compel individual schools toward steady annual improvement,

with the goal of making a hundred percent of American schoolchildren proficient in math

and reading by 2014. It is hard to look at the new legislation and not share in its Fordist

vision of the classroom as a brightly lit assembly line, in which curriculum standards sail

down from Washington through a chute, and fresh-scrubbed, defect-free students come

bouncing out the other end. It is an extraordinary vision, particularly at a time when

lawmakers seem mostly preoccupied with pointing out all the things that government

cannot do. The only problem, of course -- and it's not a trivial one -- is that children aren't

widgets."

-Malcolm Gladwell (author/reporter), "Making the Grade" from the September 9, 2003

issue of "The New Yorker"

Bill to Gut No Child Left Behind Introduced in the House of Representatives

NOTE FROM WRIGHTSLAW: On September 9, 2003, four members of the House of

Representatives introduced H. R. 3049, a bill to gut the No Child Left Behind Act.

H. R. 3049 would change NCLB requirements about assessment and accountability.

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 4

Under NCLB, schools must assess proficiency in reading and math of all students and

must report their progress in educating all students and groups of students who are often

left behind, including children with disabilities.

In response to complaints from school districts that it is "unfair" to expect them to teach

children with disabilities how to read and do math, the amendment would create exclusions

for "particular groups of students." Who are "particular groups of students"? You guessed it

- children with disabilities and English language learners.

We are not surprised that special interest groups want to gut the accountability

provisions of No Child Left Behind. We will keep you posted on new developments.

Read details at: http://www.wrightslaw.com/news/2003/nclb.hr3049.htm

Take action by sending an email to congress at:

http://www.givekidsgoodschools.com/campaign/back?source=alert

PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD in Bozeman

All presentations will take place at the Youth Imperative Center (old Blue Iguana) at 202

S. Willson Ave, Bozeman from 7:00-8:30 PM. Childcare can be arranged in advance by

calling 877-847-8890 (toll free).

§ October 6 - ADHD - with speaker Dr. Jeff Green

Dr. Green is a child and adolescent Psychiatrist who treats brain disorders with a

combination of treatments including medication. Topics presented will include

diagnosis and multi-modal interventions including pharmaceutical interventions.

§ November 3 - ADHD AND SCHOOL - with speaker Ron Laferriere

Local School Psychologist and Special Education Director will present on ADHD in

the context of school services. Topics will include identification, evaluation, services,

and how parents can work effectively with schools.

§ December 1 - EXPLOSIVE INFLEXIBLE CHILDREN - with speaker Tina Visscher, LCSW

Tina is a child and family therapist in private practice. She will explore the many

pathways that lead a child to develop explosive and inflexible behavior, what skills

they tend to lack, and interventions that will help them develop better coping skills.

§ January 12 - COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES - with speakers

from local organizations

Many supports and services are available locally to families affected by ADHD. An

array of speakers will provide an overview of what their organization can offer to

families in the community. Some of the organizations represented will include: PLUK,

Special Care Coop, Youth Imperative, and others.

For more information, contact Maria Albin, PLUK Family Support, Bozeman at

malbin@pluk.org or 877-847-8890

MT Council on DD Announces Fall Public Forum Schedule

The Montana Council on Developmental

Disabilities (MCDD) and the Montana Advocacy

Program (MAP) announce a series of public forums

across Montana.

The purpose of this series of forums is to gather

input on the future needs of persons with

developmental disabilities, their families and the

developmental disabilities service system. The forums will be held in the following

communities and locations. The forums will be held from 7:00PM to 9:00PM in each

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 5

location. Please feel free to contact Council offices at 443-4332 or MT toll-free 866/443-

4332 with any questions

We hope you will be able to attend a Forum in your area.

9/30 – Kalispell - Flathead Valley Community College, Directors Conference Room,

Blake Hall Room 140

10/1 – Missoula - MT Advocacy Program, 1280 South 3rd Street, Suite 4

10/2 – Bozeman - Bozeman City Commission Room, 411 East Main Street (use

Rouse Street side door)

10/13 – Glasgow- Hospital Board Room, 621 3rd Street South

10/14 – Havre - Hill County Electric Co-op, 2121 US Highway 2 NW

10/15 - Great Falls - Easter Seals/Goodwill, 4400 Central Avenue

10/28 - Miles City - DEAP Office, 2200 Box Elder

10/29 – Billings - Region III DDP Offices, 2121 Rosebud

11/5 – Butte – BSW, 207 N. Montana Avenue

In addition to these public forums a series of consumer only focus groups and interviews

will be held at Warms Springs State Hospital, the Montana Developmental Center, and the

Montana Brain Injury Association and with the Montana People 1st Senate. A satellite

downlink METNET forum for all other system stakeholders will also be added to this

schedule, and the date and time for that Forum will be announced shortly.

The public input received through these forums will be used by the Council in developing

our priorities of issues to address with Council resources. The Montana Advocacy Program

will use the public input to assist in refining program goals and activities. Additionally, in

years past the Developmental Disabilities Program has used this public input to assist in

defining potential legislative recommendations.

The Council has also developed a written survey tool to solicit input on issues facing

persons with developmental disabilities, their families and other persons in the service

delivery system. If you are unable to attend one of the forums, please consider completing

the survey tool, you can receive on by calling Council offices at 1/866-443-4332 (MT toll-

free) or 406/443-4332.

A report will be published in January summarizing the public input received from these

forums. To be added to the report distribution list, or for any questions regarding the

Forums please contact Council offices at the numbers listed above.

More schools in Montana meet federal standards

By PETER JOHNSON, Tribune Staff Writer, September 24

After further review, another 40 more Montana schools and 11 school districts have been

determined to meet the federal "No Child Left Behind" requirements, the state Office of

Public Instruction reported Tuesday.

Longfellow School in Great Falls and Vaughn Elementary were among a handful of area

schools to pass muster after further review.

Other area schools now reported as meeting "adequate yearly progress" were: Big Sandy

Elementary and High School in Chouteau County; Box Elder Elementary and Havre

Elementary in Hill County; Brady High School in Pondera County, and Shelby High School in

Toole County.

As a result of the latest review by OPI, 492 Montana schools, or 57 percent, currently

meet the federal requirement showing adequate yearly progress, said Spence Sartorius,

acting deputy superintendent. Another 159 schools, or 18 percent, did not make such

progress.

And OPI is still reviewing whether a final 209 small schools, or 24 percent, met the

standards.

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 6

Read the complete article at:

http://www.greatfallstribune.com/news/stories/20030924/localnews/320351.html

Educators divided over new standards' effect on special-needs students

DAVID WICKERT; The News Tribune, Tacoma WA

A tough new federal education law has drawn new attention to the poor academic

performance of special-education and non-English-speaking students.

Now educators, parents and policy makers face a troubling question: Are these students

holding the schools back or are schools failing the students?

Under the No Child Left Behind Act, the answer might be "both."

With schools now accountable for improving student achievement, the poor showing of

some student groups might have serious repercussions ranging from more student transfers

to state takeovers of schools.

At the same time, critics say federal officials have not boosted education spending

enough to meet ambitious goals. And state budget problems have led to cutbacks in the

classroom.

Read the complete article at: http://www.tribnet.com/news/story/3972632p-

3994167c.html

PHILADELPHIA PARENTS TO GET GRADED BY TEACHERS

The Philadelphia School District is rolling out simplified student report cards this year that

will feature a grade certain to get every parent's attention: rating the "home support" given

to children. The "home support" component was added to give parents "gentle reminders"

about what their children need at home, Paul G. Vallas, said the district's chief executive

officer. Teachers will assess several areas: Does the child appear rested? Is he or she

getting proper attention for vision and hearing problems? Do parents respond to notes and

phone calls? Does the child have the necessary supplies, including pencils and notebooks?

Does the child complete homework assignments? "The feeling was, we should have a

checklist of gentle reminders that would be helpful and instructive to parents," Vallas said.

Parents can expect to get either a "Satisfactory" or a "Needs Attention" grade for each

question on all student report cards for students in kindergarten through eighth grade,

reports Susan Snyder. District officials said they were not sure whether parent grades would

be included in the new high school report cards.

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/living/education/6797322.htm

BULLYING PREVENTION IS CRIME PREVENTION

A report from a national anti-crime organization shows that new anti-aggression

programs can prevent up to half of all bullying which now affects one out of three children in

grades six to ten and can lead to violent crime and death. The report shows: that for

children in sixth through tenth grade, nearly one in six -- 3.2 million -- are victims of

bullying each year. An additional 3.7 million bully other children. Kids who are bullied are

five times more likely to be depressed than other kids, and also far more likely to be

suicidal. Bullies are much more likely than other kids to carry a weapon to school. One

expert commented that, "Bullying is a ticking time bomb in our schools and our

society…America needs to defuse this problem before more children are harmed, killed or

take their own lives."

http://www.fightcrime.org/releases.php?id=65

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 7

HELPING PARENTS & YOUR COMMUNITY BETTER UNDERSTAND NCLB

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) is a very complex law comprised of nine titles and

over 50 different programs designed to close the achievement gap between high- and low-

performing students. To help educators, parents, and community leaders stay well informed

about the provisions of the law, and the impact of these provisions on them and their

communities, Public Education Network (PEN) and the National Coalition for Parent

Involvement in Education (NCPIE) has developed online action briefs for the major themes

covered by NCLB. The action alerts can be used in multiple ways -- as a training tool, for

professional development, or an easy reference to the law's intricacies -- with a variety of

audiences. The first set of action briefs is now available including resources on the

legislation, regulations and policy guidance, a glossary of education terms, and an

implementation timeline. Each action brief includes information on what the law says,

action items for parents and community leaders, and a set of resources. To signup for the

alerts, or to read the currently posted briefs, visit:

http://www.publiceducation.org/nclb_actionbriefs.asp

GUIDE TO TALKING TO YOUR COMMUNITY ABOUT NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND

Polls show that parents and the public at large are not well informed about the No Child

Left Behind (NCLB) Act and how it will affect their children and schools. While this may

create uncertainty and confusion in your community, it also offers school leaders a chance

to discuss the law with them and enlist their support in meeting its new challenges. No Child

Left Behind is controversial, with vocal supporters and critics. The materials presented here

are not intended to engage debate about the pros and cons of the law. They are designed to

help school leaders communicate with parents and the public about the law and its effects in

each community. These were written primarily for district superintendents and principals,

since they are often the first to be called to comment on school issues. But these materials

can be readily adapted for use by teacher leaders, PTA presidents, school board members,

and others. This Guide also contains links to many other resources on the law and other

education issues. You will most likely want to adapt these for your community, picking and

choosing the issues that are most relevant and modifying them with some specifics from

your district and state. Many of the materials are designed so that they can easily be

converted into brochures or flyers.

http://www.learningfirst.org/publications/nclbguide/

Health/Medical News:

Internet Info on Cochlear Implants

THURSDAY, Sept. 18 (HealthDayNews) -- There's a new Internet tool that lets parents of

deaf babies with cochlear implants monitor their babies' progress in early speech

development.

The Web site was created by Purdue University speech-language pathologist David

Ertmer. The interactive Web site provides parents with audio examples of baby jargon, such

as squealing and babbling. These samples help parents recognize when their child has made

progress in early speech development.

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 8

Read more at:

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=97&ncid=97&e=2&u=/hsn/20030918/

hl_hsn/internetinfooncochlearimplants

Visit the web site at: http://www.vocaldevelopment.com/

SOME AUTISTIC CHILDREN MAKE REMARKABLE PROGRESS WITH INTENSIVE

BEHAVIORAL PROGRAM, STUDY SUGGESTS

TORONTO – A new study provides confirmation that some young autistic children can

make remarkable progress when they participate in a specially designed intensive

behavioral intervention program.

The study by Ohio State University researchers is one of few that have rigorously

examined the success of the Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) program, which

some believe is the best way to treat autistic children.

Read the complete article at: http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/autism3.htm

ADA/Access:

Disabled Voters Sue Florida and Jacksonville for Failure to Purchase Accessible

Voting Machines AAPD v. Hood, Kast and Stafford

Monday September 22

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacksonville purchased a new voting

system which is not accessible to city's 40,000 blind and hand impaired voters. "This

violates the Americans with Disabilities Act," said Jim Dickson, Vice President of the

American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). The city purchased an optical scan

voting system which requires voters to read and to mark a ballot with a pencil. "I am blind,"

said Beth Bowen, one of the plaintiffs, "we asked the city to buy an accessible system like

many other counties have done, but they refused."

Read the complete article at: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030922/nym222_1.html

Woman's access complaint opens door for others

By Mark Schultz : The Herald-Sun, mschultz@heraldsun.com, Sep 19, 2003 : 9:42 pm ET

DURHAM -- Ann Evans doesn't have to worry about paying her taxes anymore.

Evans still pays her bill, however. She makes monthly payments by visiting the county

tax office downtown. She just doesn't worry about her wheelchair breaking the glass door

on her way inside.

"I asked could they please make it convenient for me," Evans said Friday. "And they

called me yesterday and said the door would be automatic now."

Evans 57, has polio and multiple sclerosis. A former owner of three beauty salons, she

may be best known now for her annual benefit fashion shows. She made a dress out of duct

tape a few months back that was featured in The Herald-Sun.

But she's also a member of the Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities, a group

that has criticized local leaders for not doing enough to comply with the Americans with

Disabilities Act.

Investigators from the U.S. Department of Justice came to Durham last month to

measure doorways, counters, bathrooms and other public access points in city buildings as

part of the department's probe into the city's compliance with the Americans with

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 9

Disabilities Act. Durham was one of 15 cities nationwide that the federal department

selected for ADA review based on local residents' complaints. It's not clear when the DOJ

investigation will be resolved; one official said it could take up to two years to reach a

settlement.

Read the complete article at: http://www.herald-sun.com/durham/4-393584.html

Avis Rent A Car Launches 'Avis Access' For Travelers With Disabilities

ORLANDO, Fla. and PARSIPPANY, N.J., Sept. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Avis Rent A

Car System, Inc. has announced the nation's first comprehensive accessibility program for

travelers with disabilities. Dubbed "Avis Access," the initiative was unfurled today at the

annual World Congress on Disabilities in Orlando, FL. This broad outreach is targeted to 54

million Americans with mobility, hearing or visual impairments, their families, and the many

international travelers with disabilities who visit the United States and Canada.

Read the complete article at: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030918/nyth164_1.html

Transition/Employment:

New Cooking System Available for Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Mary Rondon, a registered dietician working for Lakemary Center, a non-profit facility in

Paola, Kansas, has developed the "Overcoming Obstacles to Nutrition" cooking system for

persons with developmental disabilities. She has provided recipes that produce healthy and

good-tasting dishes that use convenience foods, and can be prepared quickly.

15 main entrees are included in the initial cookbook. Additional recipes such as crock pot

meals, salads, or desserts may be purchased separately and easily added to the cookbook.

The complete cooking system, available for $39.95, comes in a convenient three-ring

binder so that additional recipes can be easily added, and with colored markers, so that the

recipes can be notated, and plastic measuring cups for making the meals.

Purchase the cookbook at the following Web site:

http://www.lakemaryctr.org/LMC%20Cookbook.htm

or by contacting Tammy Carpenter at 913-768-6831 (voice) or e-mail

tcarpenter@lakemaryctr.org.

Technology/Web/Resources:

LEARNING DISABILITIES: A FAMILY AFFAIR

This interview with Dr. Betty Osman, an authority on learning disabilities and children

was featured in the National Center for Learning Disabilities’ August online newsletter. To

read the article, go to

http://www.ld.org/newsltr/0803newsltr/0803feature1.cfm

AT Goes Back to School: Great Assistive Technology Options to Get Organized and

Get Back to Work for People of Varying Ability Levels

By Julie West, Staff Writer, AT Journal

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 10

It is often difficult for individuals with cognitive, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities to

remember information, sort data or store and organize their personal belongings.

Frequently, even when individuals with memory problems manage to place their things in

an orderly fashion, they cannot remember where to retrieve these same items. Ultimately,

the short-term memory may be able to convert into the long-term memory with time,

repetition and constant exposure to like stimuli. Thus, keeping a person's property in plain

view and in the same place over a long period of time, and following an identical daily self-

care routine can be very helpful for individuals who have the ability to rehabilitate their

brain processing.

These techniques seem helpful for people with traumatic brain injuries, stroke victims

and individuals with relapsing remitting neuromuscular diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Even individuals with progressive neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and

dementia may benefit from these techniques. New AT items that can help people of varying

ability levels to get more organized are Flag Houses Basket Rack, Safety View Lockers by

Halloway, Study Rite Carrels, Clear Vinyl Backpacks, and My Personal Data Organizer.

According to Joanne Pulse, a special education teacher and private consultant who

specializes in accommodating ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD

(Attention Deficit Disorder) students needs, “Organizational tools that are easily accessible

and simple to use can assist a student with a processing disability to compensate for

attention, distraction, spatial or memory problems.” Joanne explains, "I tell my students to

use supplies that keep all of their necessary tools in plain view so that they will not get

frustrated, impatient or lose track of their given assignment to alternatively take on another

task of finding a specific school supply. This is an easy way to lose focus on the task at

hand. This principle is equally applicable to my adult students in higher educational settings

or in a work environment.”

Read the complete article at: http://www.atnet.org/news/sept03/091501.htm

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION

For families of children with disabilities who require assistive technology from local school

districts, information is opportunity. Yet information gathering can too often appear to be a

haphazard endeavor, particularly for families seeking assistive technology for their children

and facing a daunting assessment and evaluation process. This issue examines the AT

assessment and evaluation concept and the information resources currently available to

help achieve successful outcomes. http://www.fctd.info/resources/newsletters/

Free Online Classes

Goodwill Community Foundation Global Learning

http://www.gcflearnfree.org/en/main/students.asp

Here is a list of the topics available: Word 2000, Office 2000, Excel 2000, PowerPoint

2000, Access 2000, Windows 98, Internet Basics, Computer Basics, Email Basics, Math

Basics, Career Development, Money Basics, Workplace Development, Windows XP, Office

XP, Word XP and more

Additional Free Training Resources:

New York Public Library http://www.nypl.org

The America Connects Consortium at EDC has compiled a directory of online learning

opportunities. This directory includes both free and low-cost learning opportunities in the

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 11

categories of business and management, education and instruction, technical training, and

distance learning directories. http://www.americaconnects.net/learn/default.asp?subid=14

Registrations being accepted for 2003-04 MCEP

Registrations are now being accepted for participation

in the Montana Collaborative Empowerment Project

(MCEP)

Participation is limited to 50 people and fills quickly,

so don't hesitate....register NOW!

Visit http://www.pluk.org/mcep for more information

OPI Renewal Units and Graduate Credit are available

Who should participate?

• IEP teams who have wondered how to best

approach the consideration of Assistive Technology for a student

• IEP teams who struggle with reaching consensus on solutions

• Administrators looking for examples of policy and procedures related to Assistive

Technology

• Parents of students currently using or who have a potential need for Assistive

Technology

• Service providers who are involved in helping consumers make decisions with

regard to Assistive Technology Purchases

What have previous MCEP participants learned?

• Administrators now see the need to have policies and procedures in place for IEP

teams to use as a guide for making Assistive Technology decisions.

• By April 2003, 87% of the participants said they felt much more confident making

decisions regarding instructional and/or Assistive Technology than they did in

September when the project began.

• All teams are using the process learned during MCEP in their district with great

success.

• Parents feel more involved in the IEP process and that their opinions are of equal

value to all other team members.

• General educators see new ways to include students with disabilities in the

classroom using a combination of strategies and low-tech tools.

Participant Quote: The outcomes exceeded my expectations. I had high hopes and knew

it would be successful, but not to the extent it was. I am humbled by the amount of

commitment from these people to the education of their students/children.

Training/Workshops/Conferences in Montana:

Region IV CSPD Web Site for Training activities in the Bozeman

area

http://members.tripod.com/loriruffier/index1.htm

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 12

Augmentative Communication Workshops in the Rockies, October 2, Billings

This CAMA sponsored session will present a number of the leading

manufacturers of AAC hardware and software at the Billings Hotel and

Convention Center on October 2, 2003.

For complete information, go to http://www.aacproducts.org

PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD, October 6, Bozeman

October 6 - ADHD - with speaker Dr. Jeff Green

Dr. Green is a child and adolescent Psychiatrist who treats brain disorders with a

combination of treatments including medication. Topics presented will include diagnosis and

multi-modal interventions including pharmaceutical interventions.

This presentation will take place at the Youth Imperative Center (old Blue Iguana) at 202

S. Willson Ave, Bozeman from 7:00-8:30 PM. Childcare can be arranged in advance by

calling 877-847-8890 (toll free). For more information, contact Maria Albin, PLUK Family

Support, Bozeman at malbin@pluk.org or 877-847-8890

Beginning Sign Language Class, October 9, Bozeman

When? Beginning Oct. 9, Thursday, through November, approximately 8

weeks. The class will be from 7:00-8:00.

Where? At Bozeman High School, room B-2. Enter the doors at the front

oval, turn to your right, and find B wing, and walk north, back towards Main

St. Rm.B-2 is halfway down the hall, on your left.

Who? This class is targeted for parents, families, and staff dealing with

students with disabilities. Extended families are welcome! These individuals

will receive priority. This class will be taught by Sherilyn Renner, teacher of

the deaf/hard of hearing for Bozeman Public Schools.

What? This is a beginning sign language class. If you know sign language,, this class is

not for you. We will learn signs for playtime, the community, animals, food, home, families

and other topics you request. I hope to include guest speakers such as colleagues who sign

language in many different areans, as well as parents of deaf children. Other communication

strategies will be explained briefly, such as visual strategies, visual phonics, social stories,

and each lesson will ideally have a "tip" for communication.

Cost? The cost for the entire session is $25.00/individual, and $35.00 for families. There

will be additional minor costs for photocopies as well. If cost is a difficulty, please contact

Sherilyn--we want you there!

To register or find out more contact: Sherilyn Renner: srenner@bozeman.k12.mt.us,

522-6312 (W), srenner@bigsky.net, or 586-9354 (H)

Echoes of Abuse: Traumatic Brain Injury, October 30-31, Billings

The Brain Injury Association of Montana and Billings Area Family Violence

Task Force are sponsoring the 14th annual McGuire Memorial Conference on

Family Violence to be held in Billings October 30-31.

Otter Creek Math - “How to Successfully Teach Math Facts & Word Problem

Strategies to All Students”, Sep 27 and Nov 8, Glendive

Dawson County Courthouse - , 8:00am-4:30pm

This 2-day workshop is designed to help 1-8 grade teachers learn

how to impact their student’s math fact fluency and skills in solving

word problems.

Sponsored by Region I CSPD. For more information and

registration, please call Helen Murphy, CSPD Coordinator, at 406-485-2143 (h) or 406-485-

2321 (w)

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 13

Assessment and Management of Central/Auditory Processing Disorders, Oct 16-

17, Sidney

Sidney High School, 7:30am-5:00pm

Dr. Stephanie Martin will present information regarding the assessment,

diagnosis and treatment of central/auditory processing disorders during this

2 day course. Central Auditory Deficits can influence reading writing and

spelling and has similar symptoms as ADD/ADHD.

Sponsored by Region I CSPD. For more information and registration,

please call Helen Murphy, CSPD Coordinator, at 406-485-2143 (h) or 406-

485-2321 (w)

Lifespan Respite Trainings, Oct 21 - Feb 17, Billings

Here is a listing of future trainings available through Community Lifespan

Respite at STEP, Inc. All trainings will be from Noon – 1pm and there will be

a light lunch served.

Please RSVP to Tami Haan @869-3031 by the Friday before each training.

§ October 21 – Nancy Fee from St. Johns on Alzheimer’s/Senior

Dementia

§ November 18 – Sue Bailey from YCCOA on Senior Services Available

in The Community

§ December 16 – PT in Motion on Lifting and Transfers

§ January 20 – Molly Mills from PLUK on Grief and Loss

§ February 17 – Janine Williams from Lifespan Respite on Caring for Someone with

Alzheimer’s

PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD, November 3, Bozeman

November 3 - ADHD AND SCHOOL - with speaker Ron Laferriere

Local School Psychologist and Special Education Director will present on ADHD in the

context of school services. Topics will include identification, evaluation, services, and how

parents can work effectively with schools.

This presentation will take place at the Youth Imperative Center (old Blue Iguana) at 202

S. Willson Ave, Bozeman from 7:00-8:30 PM. Childcare can be arranged in advance by

calling 877-847-8890 (toll free). For more information, contact Maria Albin, PLUK Family

Support, Bozeman at malbin@pluk.org or 877-847-8890

Understanding Social Cognitive Deficits across the school and home day,

November 4, Polson

Designed for parents and professionals to understand the inner mind of

persons with social deficits including those high on the Autism Spectrum

(Aspergers Syndrome) or with a Non-Verbal Learning Disability.

Administrators, general educators, special educators, paraeducators,

parents, agency personnel, and others interested in meeting the needs of all

kids are invited to participate.

contact Nancy Marks at nmarks@mcps.k12.mt.us or 728-2400 ext 5036 for more

information.

The Nuts and Bolts of running social thinking programs, November 5, Polson

Designed for professionals teaching small group lessons; parents are

welcomed to attend. Small group activities will occur across the day and

emphasize how to educators can bring together socially awkward students. A

follow-up session will be scheduled for participants to connect back together

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 14

and review progress, problem-solve, share ideas and consult with Michelle via a conference

call.

Administrators, general educators, special educators, paraeducators, parents, agency

personnel, and others interested in meeting the needs of all kids are invited to participate.

contact Nancy Marks at nmarks@mcps.k12.mt.us or 728-2400 ext 5036 for more

information.

Improving the decoding & fluency of struggling readers, November 17, Kalispell

Part 1 of a three-part series designed to provide increased knowledge and

strategies for working with students in grades 4-12 who struggle with

reading. Sessions can be taken individually, but it is recommended they be

taken as a series.

Administrators, general educators, special educators, paraeducators,

parents, agency personnel, and others interested in meeting the needs of all

kids are invited to participate.

contact Nancy Marks at nmarks@mcps.k12.mt.us or 728-2400 ext 5036 for more

information.

Improving the decoding & fluency of struggling readers, November 18, Missoula

Part 1 of a three-part series designed to provide increased knowledge and

strategies for working with students in grades 4-12 who struggle with

reading. Sessions can be taken individually, but it is recommended they be

taken as a series.

Administrators, general educators, special educators, paraeducators,

parents, agency personnel, and others interested in meeting the needs of all

kids are invited to participate.

contact Nancy Marks at nmarks@mcps.k12.mt.us or 728-2400 ext 5036 for more

information.

PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD, December 1, Bozeman

December 1 - EXPLOSIVE INFLEXIBLE CHILDREN - with speaker Tina Visscher, LCSW

Tina is a child and family therapist in private practice. She will explore the many

pathways that lead a child to develop explosive and inflexible behavior, what skills they tend

to lack, and interventions that will help them develop better coping skills.

This presentation will take place at the Youth Imperative Center (old Blue Iguana) at 202

S. Willson Ave, Bozeman from 7:00-8:30 PM. Childcare can be arranged in advance by

calling 877-847-8890 (toll free). For more information, contact Maria Albin, PLUK Family

Support, Bozeman at malbin@pluk.org or 877-847-8890

PLUK PRESENTATION SERIES on ADHD, January 12, Bozeman

January 12 - COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES - with speakers from

local organizations

Many supports and services are available locally to families affected by ADHD. An array

of speakers will provide an overview of what their organization can offer to families in the

community. Some of the organizations represented will include: PLUK, Special Care Coop,

Youth Imperative, and others.

This presentation will take place at the Youth Imperative Center (old Blue Iguana) at 202

S. Willson Ave, Bozeman from 7:00-8:30 PM. Childcare can be arranged in advance by

calling 877-847-8890 (toll free). For more information, contact Maria Albin, PLUK Family

Support, Bozeman at malbin@pluk.org or 877-847-8890

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 15

Positive Behavior Supports, January 17, 2004, Billings

Positive Behavioral Supports: Helping Our Students Change by Changing

Ourselves by Dan Hobbs. Session One: The Quality and Content of Our

Relationships with our Students. 8:00-3:30 at MSU-Billings, CEHS room 122.

Deadline for registration is September 20th. Sponsored by Region III CSPD.

Contact Debra Miller at dmiller@msubillings.edu or 657-2312.

Differentiated Instruction, January 21-22, 2004, Polson

This workshop will address the diverse learning needs of students in our

schools. Participants will explore the concepts and principles of

differentiated learning. They will investigate instructional and management

strategies that can be used in academically diverse classrooms

Administrators, general educators, special educators, paraeducators,

parents, agency personnel, and others interested in meeting the needs of

all kids are invited to participate.

contact Nancy Marks at nmarks@mcps.k12.mt.us or 728-2400 ext 5036 for more

information.

Closing the Vocabulary gap: robust vocabulary instruction, February 2, 2004,

Kalispell

Part 2 of a three-part series designed to provide increased knowledge and

strategies for working with students in grades 4-12 who struggle with reading.

Sessions can be taken individually, but it is recommended they be taken as a

series.

Administrators, general educators, special educators, paraeducators,

parents, agency personnel, and others interested in meeting the needs of all

kids are invited to participate.

contact Nancy Marks at nmarks@mcps.k12.mt.us or 728-2400 ext 5036 for more

information.

Closing the Vocabulary gap: robust vocabulary instruction, February 3, 2004,

Missoula

Part 2 of a three-part series designed to provide increased knowledge and

strategies for working with students in grades 4-12 who struggle with reading.

Sessions can be taken individually, but it is recommended they be taken as a

series.

Administrators, general educators, special educators, paraeducators,

parents, agency personnel, and others interested in meeting the needs of all

kids are invited to participate.

contact Nancy Marks at nmarks@mcps.k12.mt.us or 728-2400 ext 5036 for more

information.

Positive Behavior Supports, March 13, 2004, Billings

Positive Behavioral Supports: Helping Our Students Change by Changing

Ourselves by Dan Hobbs. Session One: The Quality and Content of Our

Relationships with our Students. 8:00-3:30 at MSU-Billings, CEHS room 122.

Deadline for registration is September 20th. Sponsored by Region III CSPD.

Contact Debra Miller at dmiller@msubillings.edu or 657-2312.

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 16

Click of Reading Comprehension, April 19, 2004, Missoula

Part 3 of a three-part series designed to provide increased knowledge

and strategies for working with students in grades 4-12 who struggle

with reading. Sessions can be taken individually, but it is recommended

they be taken as a series.

Administrators, general educators, special educators, paraeducators,

parents, agency personnel, and others interested in meeting the needs

of all kids are invited to participate.

contact Nancy Marks at nmarks@mcps.k12.mt.us or 728-2400 ext 5036 for more

information.

Click of Reading Comprehension, April 20, 2004, Kalispell

Part 3 of a three-part series designed to provide increased

knowledge and strategies for working with students in grades 4-12 who

struggle with reading. Sessions can be taken individually, but it is

recommended they be taken as a series.

Administrators, general educators, special educators, paraeducators,

parents, agency personnel, and others interested in meeting the needs

of all kids are invited to participate.

contact Nancy Marks at nmarks@mcps.k12.mt.us or 728-2400 ext 5036 for more

information.

Training/Workshops/Conferences outside Montana

Conference on Social, Emotional and Academic Interventions for Students with

High-Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome with a Special Session on

Bullying Preventions, October 3-4, Boise, ID

http://www.asperger.net/conferences.htm

Speakers: Brenda Smith Myles, Ph.D. & Rebekah Heinrichs, MSN, M.S.Ed.

CONFERENCE OUTCOMES

As a result of attending this conference, participants will be able to:

• Understand the characteristics of Asperger Syndrome

• Understand and implement sensory interventions Implement academic, social and

behavioral interventions that facilitate school success

• Teach hidden curriculum items to their students

• Understand how to prevent bullying from occurring in schools

Asperger’s Conference, October 13-14, Boise ID

Tony Attwood, PhD is going to be giving an all new in depth presentation on topics that

he has only had time to touch on before. Anger Management – why are they so angry and

how to help them control and overcome it.

Adolescent Challenges for Pre-teens and Teens – longing to belong in a world they don’t

understand – how to help them find a place to fit in.

Special Interests – the intense focus on a particular subject and how this can be turned

into a positive in their lives.

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 17

Dr. Attwood is a clinical psychologist from Brisbane, Australia, who has over 30 years of

experience with individuals with autism/Asperger’s/PDD

Day Two: Lori Ernsperger, PhD, speaks on Strategies for Managing Problem Behaviors.

Dr. Ernsperger has 18 years of experience working in public schools as a teacher,

administrator and consultant.

Mary Wrobel, MA, CCC/SLP speaks on Self-Care, Puberty & Personal Safety. She is he

coordinator of the Multiple Needs Program at Hale School in Schaumburg, IL

Betsey Brunk, MMT, MT-BC, gives the funniest interactive session on music therapy

anyone has ever had the pleasure to attend.

For Conference Registration or to request a brochure call 800-489-0727 or go to

http://www.FutureHorizons-autism.com

The 21st Annual Closing The Gap Conference, October 14-18, Minneapolis

Closing The Gap's annual conference has earned a reputation internationally as a leading

source for information on innovative applications of computer technology for persons with

disabilities. The 21st Annual Conference builds on a tradition of providing a comprehensive

examination of the most current uses of technology by persons with disabilities and the

professionals who work with them.

Complete conference and registration details available at:

http://www.closingthegap.com/conf/index2.html

Fourth Annual Conference on Autism and Asperger’s: Mapping the Journey,

October 17 & 18, Edmonton, Alberta

http://www.keystotreasures.com/

Take advantage of our early registration special by September 15, 2003.

Oct. 17, 2003, Carol Gray

Carol is the editor of the Jenison Autism Journal, and is a consultant to students with

ASD through the Jenison Public Schools (Jenison, Michigan). She is also the president of the

Gray center, a facility dedicated to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and

those who work alongside them to improve mutual understanding.

Oct. 18, 2003, Dr. Tony Attwood

Dr. Attwood is a world-renowned expert on Asperger's Syndrome and author of the best-

selling book of that name.

"The most significant issue that parents face is a lack of understanding and inappropriate

attitudes towards those with Asperger's Syndrome." -Dr. Attwood

FROM PRACTICE TO POLICY AND BACK AGAIN: 19th Annual Conference on Young

Children with Special Needs and Their Families, Oct 12-14, Washington, DC

WHEN: October 12, 2003 - October 14, 2003

WHERE: Washington, DC

HOSTED BY: Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.earlyonmichigan.org/Conferences.htm#6

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 18

TASH conference – Dec 10-13, Chicago

NOW IS THE TIME to register for this year's which will be held Chicago, December 10th -

13th and to make your hotel reservations at the Chicago Hilton and Towers! Don't miss out

on early-registration discounts - good through September 30th.

The TASH Conference is the conference to attend to learn about the most progressive

policy and practice issues affecting people with disabilities, their families, support providers,

and advocates. Participants can choose from a menu of over 450 sessions showcasing the

most progressive thinking, practices, and research in the areas of Adult Services and

Supports, Inclusive Quality Education across the Lifespan, Ethics, Values and Rights, and

more!

Registration is easy. Go to http://www.tash.org/2003conference/registration.htm and

828-8274 x 0 and we will be glad to assist you.

Here are some helpful links that will provide you with complete information about this

year's exciting conference: For complete updated conference information -

http://www.tash.org/2003conference/index.htm Complete list of topics, sessions, and

speakers - http://www.tash.org/2003conference/sessions Hotel reservations, travel

arrangements and local Chicago info

http://www.tash.org/2003conference/main.htm

We look forward to welcoming you as a participant in this exciting event! If you have

questions, please call us at 410-828-8274, ext. "0", during east coast business hours.

Looking forward to seeing you in Chicago!

National Autism Summit Set For November 2003

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of

Education (DOE) have just announced that they will host a joint summit to develop a

national agenda on autism this November in Washington, DC. The two-day event, entitled,

"Autism Summit Conference: Developing a National Agenda," is set to be held on November

19 and 20, 2003, at the Washington Convention Center.

Please mark you calendars so you can attend and make known your views on those

topics important to you. For more detailed information about this very important Summit

Conference, click here, or visit the ASA Web site (http://www.autism-society.org ) and click

on "News."

Assistive Technology Industry Association Conference, January 14-17, Florida

ATIA 2004 serves as a leading forum for the Assistive Technology community to

participate in presentations and discussions about new technology, practical applications,

and services. Segments of the Assistive Technology industry (Augmentative and Alternative

Communication; Blindness; Computer Access; Curriculum Adaptations; Deaf and Hard of

Hearing; Electronic Aids to Daily Living; Games and Recreation; Learning Disabilities/Study

Aids/Literacy; Low Vision; and Mechanical Accessories and Mounting Devices) will be

represented in various presentations, demonstrations and/or exhibits. In addition, a hands-

on lab will provide an opportunity to experiment with and evaluate the latest assistive

technology devices and software available.

http://www.atia.org

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 19

Technology, Reading and Learning Difficulties, San Francisco, January 29-31, 2004

Educational Computer Conferences, Inc. sponsors the annual TRLD International

Conference, Technology, Reading & Learning Difficulties, which is held each January in San

Francisco, California. Currently, the International Reading Association (IRA) is co-sponsor of

the TRLD conferences.

Go to http://www.trld.com/ for information, costs, and registration.

Announcing: A Series of Conference Calls on the Social-Emotional Development of

Young Children

The Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, with support

from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, is launching a series of 10 conference calls

focusing on the social-emotional development of young children (birth through five years

old). The target audience for these calls includes early care and education providers, agency

administrators, technical assistance providers and others working with young children and

their families.

THESE CALLS WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 1:00-2:30 pm (EST) ON THE LAST WEDNESDAY OF

EVERY MONTH.

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:

Date Topic

10/29/03 • Brain Research

• Attachment

*11/19/03 • Curricula for Promoting Healthy Social-Emotional

Development

*12/17/03 • Screening & Assessment for Infants, Toddlers and

Preschoolers

1/28/04 • The Impact of Maternal Depression and/or Substance Abuse

on Young Children

2/25/04 • Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Young Children

Involved with Child Welfare

3/31/04 • ECMH Consultation Models

4/28/04 • Relationship-based Interventions

5/26/04 • Children & Trauma

National experts will serve as presenters, as will practitioners who are involved in

promising practices. Presentations will highlight effective strategies for delivering family-

driven, culturally appropriate services in community-based settings.

Up to 200 individuals per call will be able to participate on a first-come-first serve basis.

Handouts, including PowerPoint presentations, will be provided to people who register for

the calls.

****Please send an email to mk73@georgetown.edu (MelKisha Knight) if you want to be

added to the list for the first call.

Materials will be emailed to you. More information to come!

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 20

Special Education Law & Advocacy Strategies Educational Online Workshops, Chat

Sessions, and Teleconferences

http://www.reedmartin.com/onlineworkshopshoppingcart.htm

These 90-minute telephone sessions offer up-to-date educational information on your

and your child's rights and strategies to secure these rights by one of the nation's leading

experts in special education law, Reed Martin, J.D.

For a registration fee of $40 you will get your own participant ID #, 1-800 #, handout

and option to submit one question for our Q&A portion of the workshop.

Yes, you can get a group together and listen for only $40 on your speakerphone. Get

your disability group together, gather your friends and share the cost!

List of upcoming phone conferences:

§ September 30, 3:00 - 4:30 PM, EST - Getting What Your Child Needs Under

Section 504 (Your Rights, The Plan and Accommodations)

ILRU Web Casts

ILRU is a program of The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR), and is

affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine. It is supported in part by public and private

funding agencies including the U.S. Department of Education--National Institute on

Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) and the Rehabilitation Services

Administration (RSA). Go to http://www.ilru.org/online/ for a complete list of upcoming web

casts and access to the archives of past sessions. Here is a partial list of upcoming trainings

that may be of interest to people in Montana:

Monday, September 29, 2003, 2:00 PM Central - Achieving Independence and

Interdependence Through Assistive Technology Applications - presented by Therese

Wilkomm, Ph.D.

§ Wednesday, October 8, 2003, 2:00 PM Central - IDEA and Discipline of Students

with Disabilities - presented by Elaine Roberts

§ Wednesday, October 22, 2003, 2:00 PM Central - Self Esteem - presented by Peg

Nosek

§ Wednesday, October 29, 2003, 2:00 PM Central - Poverty, Welfare Reform and

Disability - presented by Peter Blanck, Johnette Hartnett and Michael Morris

Fun Events

It’s Time to Clean the Closets! Oct 10-12, Billings

PLUK is partnering with Kids Stuff Consignment for their annual fall

consignment sale. The sale will be October 10th – 12th at the Shrine

Auditorium located 1125 Broadwater Avenue in Billings. The hours of

the show will be Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm with a half-

price sale on Sunday from 11am to 2pm.

PLUK would like your donations of quality name-brand kids’

equipment and toys such as Fisher Price, Little Tykes, Tyco, Lego, etc.

We are looking for donations of toys, books, CD-ROMs, home

schooling items, games, puzzles, sporting goods, bikes, baby

equipment and furniture and Halloween costumes. We prefer not to

do clothing at this time.

If you have any items that you would like to donate, please bring them to PLUK’s office

at 516 North 32nd Street or call 255-0540 and we’ll try to arrange for a pick up.

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 21

We are also looking for a few people to volunteer to help set up and take down the show.

Volunteers are needed Monday through Wednesday, October 6 – 8. Volunteers are able to

purchase items at their special sale time at 2pm on Thursday, October 9. If you are

interested in volunteering please contact Bernice Hash at 255-0540.

Missoula Children’s Theatre Tour, October 5-11, Kalispell

The Flathead Valley Associate Board is working on a fall event. They have

been meeting regularly and finalizing details at this time. It will involve a

weeklong project for children to perform a play in the Kalispell area. The

dates are October 5 though the 11th. This event will link up with the Missoula

Children’s Theatre. The Theatre will send staff to Kalispell to handle the

auditions, training and direction for the entire week. For more information or

to be involved with the event, call Stephanie Luehr, PLUK’s representative in Kalispell at

881-4421. Details and plans on the event will be provided and there are presently positions

to be filled on the planning committee. Volunteers are needed.

Dinosaur Day with Jack Horner, October 11, Billings

A special day of activities, featuring paleontologist Jack Horner of the

Museum of the Rockies, is planned for October 11.

The event, titled Dinosaur Day, will include a Workshop for Kids, where

Horner will meet with the participants and give a presentation on the field of

paleontology and dinosaurs in Montana. The workshop will be held on the

Montana State University-Billings campus.

That night, Horner will speak at a dinner for all ages at the Billings Sheraton Hotel. He

will talk about how Montana is a dream state for paleontologists and about his work in

recent years at Montana sites.

Horner is recognized as one of the most prolific paleontologists in the world. He was the

model for Alan Grant in the "Jurassic Park" movies and served as a consultant on the sets.

For information on Dinosaur Day, ticket prices or to reserve tickets for either the Kids

Workshop or the dinner, call PLUK's Office at 255-0540 or 1-800-222-7585. Space is limited

for both activities.

Magical Tymes Party, November 11, Missoula

The Missoula Associate Board third annual “Magical Tymes Party,” has been

scheduled for November 11, 2003. Deborah Hayes Hyde is the Chair of the event and

Ramona Holt is chairing the Sponsorship Sub-Committee. For the last two years, this event

has been held in conjunction with a play at the Missoula Children’s Theatre. In addition to

the play, participants may attend a “wine and cheese party” and a silent auction.

This year the play is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Companies and

groups are now lining up to sponsor the event and the committee assures us that it will be

the best to date, by far! For more information on how to become involved, call PLUK’s office

at 800-222-7585 and we can put you in touch with the planning committee.

Be sure to mark your calendar with these future events:

• Kids at Heart Banquet, February 7, 2004, Billings

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 22

• Sports Festival, March 2004, Billings

How you can help!

Preferred Savings Guide for sale

Parents, Let's Unite for Kids is selling the "Billings Area Preferred

Savings Guide". This is the blue book that has the buy one, get one free

or other discount coupons. There are 282 different coupons with an

expiration date of August 31, 2004.

The book includes coupons for food, ski rentals, Big Timber Water

Slide, Billings Mustangs, Billings Symphony, Herberger's, Scheel's,

YMCA, ZooMontana, hair salons, tire and dry cleaning businesses, etc.

The books are $20.00 each and can be purchased from PLUK's office or by calling 255-

0540. If you have any questions please contact Bernice at the above telephone number.

Get your Albertson Community Partners card!

PLUK has joined Albertsons’ Community Partners Card Program.

This program is designed to help non-profit organizations raise funds

needed for their programs. A percentage of your grocery total will be

donated to PLUK. All that is needed is to show your Community

Partners card each time you make a purchase at Albertsons. It does

not cost you anything.

If you are interested in assisting PLUK in raising funds this way, please contact Bernice at

255-0540 to get a Community Partners card.

Selected Sources:

1. Monday Morning in Washington, DC, http://www.inclusionresearch.org

2. Rocky Mountain DBTAC, http://www.adainformation.org

3. Transition Newsflash, Montana Center on Disabilities,

http://www.msubillings.edu/transition

4. PEN Weekly NewsBlast, http://www.publiceducation.org

5. Reference Points: Transition updates from the TATRA Project,

http://www.pacer.org/tatra/tatra.htm

6. The American Indian Disability Technical Assistance Center Training Calendar

http://aidtac.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/TrainingCalendar.htm

PLUK eNews is published by:

Parent's, Let's Unite for Kids – PLUK

516 N 32nd St

Billings MT 59101-6003

800-222-7585; 406-255-0540; 406-255-0523 (fax)

plukinfo@pluk.org

PLUK eNews September 29 – October 3, 2003 23

http://www.pluk.org

Edited by: Roger Holt rholt@pluk.org

Proofed & condensed by: Elisabeth Mills emaymills@hotmail.com

• Feel free to reprint and pass on to others.

• To be removed, just send a message to plukinfo@pluk.org with “remove” as the

subject.

• To be added to the list, send a message to plukinfo@pluk.org with your

name/address/telephone and email address.

• If you have activities, events, trainings, news or information you would like to

share, send it to plukinfo@pluk.org.

• Please be aware that some links provided are time sensitive. Contact us if you

have difficulty accessing any of the information.

• View an archive of all Weekly eNews at http://www.pluk.org/eNews.htm

Mission Statement: Parent’s Let’s Unite for Kids unites parents, professionals, families

and friends of children with special needs to support one another, and share information for

the benefit of their children.

Vision Statement: Given information and support, individuals with disabilities and their

families will feel empowered to advocate for themselves and participate fully in educational

and community opportunities.

Statement on accessibility: Today, we endeavor to be conscious of the need for making

all electronic information accessible as we are aware of physical accessibility issues in our

community. For design guidelines visit: http://ncam.wgbh.org/cdrom/guideline/.

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